Cleaning MAF sensor?

Aero-fan · #1 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 07:11 PM

Ok so I want to clean my MAF sensor as suggested in another post. I looked at it and it's sandwiched between the airbox and the plastic intake plenum. It's secured by two screws into an aluminum housing. One screw appears to be a torx drive type and the other does not appear to have a torx or phillips etc receptacle at all. It's smooth with what looks like a thin black plastic coating over it. I don't see how it can be unscrewed, what am I missing here? And I also notice that the aluminum housing it is connected to can be removed from the airbox (4 bolts holding it on). I'm guessing I can just do that instead and spray the cleaner on the MAF sensor that way? Or do I have to remove the sensor itself in order to clean it properly? Thanks in advance for any help...

93nighthawk · #2 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 09:01 PM

DO NOT DIS-ASSEMBLE THE MAF! This will destroy it.

Just spray some MAF cleaner into the housing. It's a 50/50 gamble if it will work by cleaning, but it is the cheaper of the two.

96_4wdr · #3 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 09:36 PM

How to clean your MAF sensor | eHow.com

http://fordfuelinjection.com/?p=26

Aero-fan · #4 (**permalink**) 11-11-2009, 02:21 AM

Thanks everybody. But 93nighthawk why do you say don't "disassemble" it? I don't plan on disassembling it, I just want to clean the element as was suggested by KahnTyrinator in my other post. And as shown in the link 96_4wdr has kindly provided, the element should be removed, gently cleaned as described and then reinstalled. Right???

96_4wdr · #5 (**permalink**) 11-11-2009, 03:38 AM

manufacturer/dealers recommend against cleaning MAF, but then again, they are the ones that sell and install new ones at $150+labor.

i soak mine in a shot glass of cleaner for a 1/2 hour then air dry.

MAF elements can be coated by injested baked on products that prevent cleaning thus require replacement, case by case judgment basis.

look at the elements with a 10x power magnifier before and after cleaning.

search the Aero and other Ford forums for pros and cons of MAF cleaning, lots of info using the search function.

VanGo · #6 (**permalink**) 11-11-2009, 12:21 PM

I've cleaned mine regularly. You just need a cheap set of anti-theft torx bits. Remove the sensor carefully - do not let the wires touch anything. Then just spray it several times with MAF cleaner and re-intall it. Here's a good description:
Ford Ranger Mass Air Flow Cleaning, Removal and Installation